Masks

In the realm of existence, we emerge into this world devoid of labels, without the weight of judgments and expectations. We are born as a blank canvas, open to life’s offerings, unaware of the complexities that lie ahead. Yet, within mere minutes of our arrival, the world begins to imprint upon us its countless layers of identity—rulings, names, nationalities, religions, sects, and races. Without our consent, we become part of a tapestry woven by society, shaped by the beliefs and traditions of those who came before us. As we grow, the choices we make are often influenced by the masks we wear—veils that shield us from our vulnerabilities and uncertainties. Like many, I too experimented with various masks, only to find that they crumbled under the weight of my truth, unable to contain the essence of my being. I refused to compromise my authenticity, and thus, I discarded any disguise that contradicted my soul’s essence. My journey differed from the norm, for I did not seek solace in hiding behind a façade. Instead, I chose to embrace introversion—a deliberate withdrawal from the noise and clamor of the world. I found solace in the written word, in international stories and enchanting novels that nourished my spirit with their captivating truths. From a tender age, I listened and wrote, internalizing the words that resonated within me. During a chance encounter, I overheard my mother conversing with my teacher. Their words whispered of my “reality”—too real for others to comprehend. I realized then that people often yearn to project strength to the world, concealing their inner turmoil behind a veil of composure. But I refused to label sadness as weakness, recognizing the courage it took to display vulnerability, to acknowledge the rawness of human emotions. In fact, I held profound admiration for those who had the audacity to unveil their true selves, unfettered by societal expectations. In my heart, I cherished the memory of my grandfather, one of these brave souls. He had navigated life with unyielding authenticity, an embodiment of the strength found in genuineness. I had always been drawn to his character, captivated by the beauty of his truth. Embracing my reality, I chose not to dilute the essence of who I was. Being real took precedence over the pursuit of strength. I discovered a profound sense of empowerment in the unadulterated expression of my emotions, free from the masks that constrained so many. My journey was not one of defiance but of self-acceptance—a quest to love myself wholly, including the shades of vulnerability that colored my existence. 

 As I journeyed through life, I carried with me the wisdom of my grandfather—a reminder that the strength to be real, to be genuine, resided within each of us. The choice to peel away the masks was a choice to free our souls from the chains of pretense. It was an acknowledgment that vulnerability did not equate to weakness, but rather, a testament to the courage of the human heart.